When first seeking psychological support for younger primary-school-aged children, many parents often assume that psychological therapy for children will look very similar to psychological therapy for adults. The reality can be very different, depending upon the developmental stage and needs of their child.
One of the main differences between psychological therapy for children compared to adults is that whilst adults are often intrinsically motivated to attend therapy (for example they may be seeking support in learning how to manage concerns around their mood, anxiety, or emotions), this may not always be the case for younger children. Frequently, younger children are “dragged along” by their parents, who may be struggling to help their child manage strong emotions. As a result, psychologists working with younger kids may often incorporate various strategies to engage children in the therapeutic process. This might include elements such as drawing, playing games, reading story-books, or physical movement. Utilising elements such as this can help kids to engage, build rapport with their therapist, and also helps them learn. This leads to another important part of the therapeutic process when discussing kids; their parents.
Parents are frequently a vital part of the therapeutic process for younger children. Whilst therapy sessions with a psychologist may last 45-50 minutes once every-week-or-so, parents of course spend much more time with their children, and this means that the conversations they have and the opportunities to build on what has been discussed or learnt in therapy sessions can be almost limitless. So depending upon the individual clinician that parents are working with, psychologists may actively involve parents in sessions so that they can be a part of this learning process; helping their child to reinforce learning, and apply psychoeducational material to their own lives at home, or out-and-about in the community and the world as they live their lives.
So if you’re seeking support from a psychologist for your child, feel free to check in with them and discuss how you might be able to be involved in this process, because parents can have a powerful influence on their own child’s therapeutic progress and engagement; you’re an important part of helping your child to learn, grow, and thrive.
